TAMPA — The American League gets more difficult each season, but Derek Jeter said the Yankees are ready for the latest challenge.

“It’s always been a tough league,’’ Jeter said yesterday at the team’s minor league complex after he took batting practice outside for the first time this season. “I’m pretty sure they are excited over in Anaheim to have Albert [Pujols] and C.J. Wilson. I think it’s kind of cool that Prince [Fielder] is in Detroit because everybody remembers him following his dad around over in Detroit. It made two great teams even better, which is scary for the whole American League, but especially for the West and the Central.’’

Jeter is keeping an eye on the Red Sox and new manager Bobby Valentine, too.

“He’s going to bring some excitement,’’ Jeter said. “He brought some excitement when he was with the Mets, but there’s always excitement in Boston. I guess he’ll add to it.’’

As he told The Post late last week, Jeter is extremely impressed with new pitcher Michael Pineda.

“He has a presence on the mound,’’ Jeter said.

Jeter has been with the Yankees since 1992 when he was drafted, and his mindset remains the same.

“The whole thing is to win, in my mind that’s the only thing you should play for,’’ he said.

As for the A.J. Burnett trade talks, Jeter said: “I learned a long time ago, you show up at spring training, you read the name tags and you move on. If you paid attention to all the rumors that went around in our organization, I think you’d drive yourself crazy.’’

Asked about general manager Brian Cashman’s off the field situation, invovling a divorce and an alleged stalker, Jeter steered clear, saying, “I don’t even think he’s commented on that. Who am I to speak on that?’’

Jeter also said he feels great.

“In my mind I’m still, I wouldn’t say 18, but somewhere between that and [37],” the shortstop said. “This is the only place I’ve wanted to play, the only place I ever thought of playing. I’ve been fortunate.”